Real Solutions Or Fear And Hate?

Posted on July 18, 2015 by Dave Bradley
On their way to Ames today

On their way to Ames today

Yesterday and today will be offering a dramatic contrast of the differences between what the Democratic Party stands for and what the Republican Party stands for.

Last night in Cedar Rapids, Democrats met for their annual Hall of Fame dinner. Speakers for the evening were the declared Democratic candidates for president – Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, Martin O’Malley, Jim Webb and Lincoln Chaffee. The general focus of remarks last night were to bring back the middle class for every group in America and reestablish a country that works for all of its citizens, not just the wealthy and well connected. In short, the focus was on putting the citizens back in charge of this country.

Other issues included climate change, student debt, access to education for all, building an economy that works for all including living wages for workers, sensible immigration solutions and many others. The focus was on issues, not personalities or rumors or made up media hype.

Half a day later and 100 miles to the west in Ames we will be seeing Republicans gathering under the auspices of a quasi-Christian group known as the FAMiLY Leader. The focus of this conference is to push the theme that America is Christian and should be run by a set of principles based on their interpretation of Christianity.

Today we will see such Republican presidential candidates as Donald Trump, Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz pander to folks who share the Family Leaders’ version of Christianity. In that version, gays are hated and of course the idea that a gay person could marry is anathema to them. Immigrants and immigration policy will be also be in for major criticism. Policies that will come in for praise are those policies that will enrich the already wealthy while continuing low wages and no benefits for the poor and middle class. No doubt there will be veiled references to Muslims being terrorists through comments on the middle east or the new deal with Iran.

Climate change will certainly come in for derision as will science in general. Shoot, I almost wouldn’t even be surprised if someone joked that the Pluto mission was staged in a back lot in Hollywood. The only science that counts for them is that which can be exploited for a buck.

At a time when serious consideration is needed concerning the deal with Iran, Republican will use it as a cornerstone around which to build fear. There will be no sensible discussion as each of the presidential candidates tries to stake out the furthest right position.

No doubt there will also be attacks on Democratic candidates, most likely Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders. There will also be attacks on Planned Parenthood which has recently been the subject of another bogus right wing “documentary.” In short, the hate will flow with no real issues discussed nor any solutions offered.

Within one day the contrast between what have become polar opposites should be quite apparent to any American. Do you want solutions? Or do you want more hate and fear?

Posted in Bernie Sanders, Climate Change, Economy, Hillary Clinton, Immigration, Martin O'Malley, middle-class, separation of church and state | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Real Solutions Or Fear And Hate?

First Press Pass IDP Hall Of Fame Celebration

Posted on July 17, 2015 by Paul Deaton

HOF DinnerThe Iowa Democratic Party approved my press credentials to attend the Hall of Fame Celebration Friday night for Blog for Iowa.

This is the first time the five declared candidates for president will speak from the same stage. It is a key milestone on the road to the Feb. 2 Iowa Democratic caucuses. Going forward, if candidates don’t get organized, they won’t win delegates—it’s as simple as that.

Hillary Clinton and Martin O’Malley are working the caucus process diligently. Bernie Sanders is attracting interest—good sized crowds—but I haven’t been to one of his events since 2014, before he announced for president. I’m less certain of what organizing Sanders is doing, but the staff he hired knows the Iowa caucus process.

Lincoln Chafee and Jim Webb appear to be decent people, but have furnished no evidence they are signing people up for anything except donations and email contact lists. Chafee made his first trip to Iowa this week and Webb held about 25 events in Iowa according to the Des Moines Register. Clinton, O’Malley and Sanders are far ahead of them in terms of traditional organizing. Catching up in Iowa will be hard for the other two to do.

I plan to provide a unique perspective on the events tonight. My first post on Blog for Iowa was about the 2009 Hall of Fame Celebration and I’ve learned a lot about Democratic politics since then. Here’s what to look for in my coverage:

The candidate speeches will be streamed on C-SPAN and posted on their website for later viewing. I won’t be covering what is said, or trying to assert points about this or that, creating spin. If people want to know what candidates said, they can invest the time and hear for themselves.

If I can keep my phone charged, I will send a few tweets about the event. Since hoards of news media will be there, I’ll let others generate the Twitter traffic. I want to spend my time observing, not tweeting.

I’m most interested in the framing of this event. There is an inherent deception of a level playing field in the graphic above and the event. Both Clinton and Sanders have solid name recognition because of their prominence in public life. Hillary Clinton is so well known, her most significant problem may be we know her too well. Enough so she is taken for granted as people look at other options. Martin O’Malley has been doing a lot of work in Iowa, going all in here in an effort to get a ticket out. By its framing, the event takes Clinton and Sanders down a peg, allowing the other three to to see some sunlight. Will the five candidates share the stage or sit in the crowd? What will be the order of speakers? How will the IDP frame the night’s events? If there’s a story in answering these questions, I’ll write it.

By having a press pass I hope to understand how other journalists frame the events. I don’t know which national political correspondents will be present, but they bring with them an external style that seems self-perpetuating regardless of what may actually happen. By hanging with them to some extent I hope to learn and report about it.

It would be more convenient to view the speeches from the comfort of home wearing casual clothing and drinking fizzy lemon water. In 2009 my photo on the Hall of Fame event post shows me wearing a suit. I plan to be more casual tonight with my trademark blue jeans, blue twill shirt and comfortable shoes. Getting out among the moneyed Democrats of Iowa once in a while is important, and on this one pivotal night, I can invest the time.

I hope readers will stay tuned.

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Iowa Democratic Party Hall Of Fame Inductees

Posted on July 17, 2015 by Paul Deaton

Iowa Democratic Party(Editor’s Note: On June 9, the Iowa Democratic Party released the names of the 2015 inductees into its Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony takes place tonight at the Cedar Rapids Convention Center).

DES MOINES – The Iowa Democratic Party announced the full list of 2015 Hall of Fame award recipients. The award winners will be honored for their contributions to the Iowa Democratic Party and their local communities at the 2015 Hall of Fame Celebration on July 17.

“We are proud to recognize several extraordinary Iowa Democrats, who have contributed so much to the Iowa Democratic Party and to our state,” said IDP chair Dr. Andy McGuire. “Our party leaders, supporters and activists are truly second to none — and their dedication to electing Democrats up and down the ballot is what makes our party strong. The Iowa Democratic Party is looking forward to an exciting Hall of Fame Celebration as we build momentum for the 2016 Iowa Caucuses and big victories up and down the ballot in 2016.”

Below are the 2015 Hall of Fame award inductees:

Outstanding Elected Official Award: Senate President Pam Jochum

Senator Jochum has served the State of Iowa in the legislature since 1993, and was the first female Democrat elected to serve as President of the Iowa Senate. Senator Jochum has been a leader in the fight for mental health services, public education funding, women’s rights and civil rights, and for campaign finance reform during her long and impressive tenure as a state legislator. Prior to serving in the legislature, senator Jochum was employed at Loras College. She and her daughter live in Dubuque’s north end. She is also involved in numerous community organizations including the League of Women Voters, Greater Dubuque Development Corporation, Prevention of Disabilities, and the Task Force to Prevent Family Violence.

Outstanding Supporter Award: the Honorable Kay Halloran

Kay was the first woman to open a private law practice in the city of Cedar Rapids. Kay was the Mayor of Cedar Rapids from 2006-2009, only the 2nd woman to serve in that role. Kay served in the state legislature from 1983-1992, and from 1997-1999. Kay has been a very generous and long-time supporter of Democrats, Democratic candidates—both locally and across Iowa and the United States, and has been a great supporter of the ideals and principles of the Iowa Democratic Party.

Minnette Doderer Award for Outstanding Leadership: former Senator Bev Hannon

Former State Senator Bev Hannon helped found the Democratic Activist Women’s Network (DAWN) to focus on recruiting, educating, supporting, and electing pro-choice Democratic women in Iowa local and state government. Bev served in the Iowa Senate from 1985-1993, as one of the first pro-choice women elected to the legislature from Jones County.  Hannon was also instrumental in founding the Iowa Women’s Foundation based in Iowa City.

Jim Lodwick Award for Outstanding State Central Committee Member: Penny Rosfjord

Penny was first elected to the State Central Committee in 2010. In her time on the committee, Penny has set an example for activists all across the state to follow. Penny serves a county chair mentor for counties all across the 4th congressional district, where she’s helped to build party infrastructure. She’s served as the Secretary for her district committee, as well as the rules chair for the 4th Congressional District Convention. And she’s been a very active member of the SCC, serving on the operations committee and speaking on the role of county chairs.

Bob Creech Award for Outstanding Democratic Party Chair: Melinda Jones

Melinda was first elected to the Wapello County Democratic Central Committee in 2006, served as Wapello County Democrats Vice Chair from 2008 – 2010, and since 2010, has served as Chair of the Wapello County Democratic Party. Melinda has served on the 2nd District Central Committee since 2008, taking a leadership role within the District Convention’s Rules and Platform Committee in 2010, 2012, and 2014. Melinda is a teacher, she’s active in the Iowa State Education Association, and, Melinda is currently serving her 3rd term on the State Central Committee.

Dixon Terry Award for Outstanding Democratic Party Activist: Kurt Meyer

Kurt Meyer has been a leading example for Democratic Activists for years, and most recently as Chair of the Tri-County Democrats, an organization Kurt conceived of when he recognized that the rural counties in north central Iowa could do more together than apart. Worth, Mitchell, and Howard Counties are in the same State House and State Senate district; and Kurt’s leadership and the cooperation accomplished under his guidance provided a local support structure for critical legislative races in 2012.

Edward Campbell Rising Star Award: Morgan Miller

Morgan Miller is from West Des Moines. She attended the University of Iowa where she majored in Political Science. After graduating, Morgan became a legislative clerk in the Iowa Senate in the 2012 session. She then joined AFSCME Council 61 as a Political Representative. Morgan’s work with AFSCME includes advocacy of public employees, political education, grassroots organizing, and campaigns. She is passionate about the Democratic Party and in particular worker’s issues and women’s healthcare access.

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Loras College To Host Discussion Of Laudato Si'

Posted on July 17, 2015 by Paul Deaton

laudato-siAcademic experts to highlight pope’s ecology letter

“Understanding the Pope’s Encyclical on the Environment” will be the subject of a public presentation and group discussion at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 23, at Loras College in the campus center.

Father Robert Grant of St. Ambrose University, professor of theology with a specialty in environmental theology, will summarize the message and the historical background of Pope Francis’ recent letter, “On Care for Our Common Home.”

David Cochran, professor of politics and director of the Archbishop Kucera Center at Loras, will discuss how people of faith and others can work together in their circles of influence and in the public square to meet the challenges that the pope identifies.

“This event will explore the meaning of the pope’s encyclical on our earthen environment and the justice issues posed by human stewardship of our common home,” said Tim Moothart, co-chair of the Resurrection parish social justice committee. “We want people of all faiths or no faith to join us, because the concerns cut across religious, social and cultural boundaries.”

The Church of the Resurrection is co-sponsoring the meeting with Green Dubuque and State Rep. Chuck Isenhart, with support from the Fr. Ray Herman Peace & Justice Center at Loras College.

Green Dubuque is a community-based grassroots network of advocates focused on economic and environmental resiliency. State Rep. Chuck Isenhart of Dubuque is ranking member on the Environmental Protection Committee in the Iowa House of Representatives.

“I am eager to learn what my constituents think about the pope’s research and the ethical perspective he brings to the serious social, economic and environmental issues we are facing,” Isenhart said. “What are the implications for public policy that elected officials like me need to address? Do people care, and what do they expect of us?”

According to Paul Schultz, Green Dubuque board member, “This eco-encyclical confronts the exploitation and wasting of resources impacting the Earth, other species, the poor and future generations.

“The pope’s letter tells us that the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor impacts us all,” Schultz added. “We look forward to meeting with others who share similar concerns and want to respond to Francis’ plea to develop positive relationships between ecology and a common good economics — the principles we use to manage the habitat we share.”

Group discussions will follow the presentations. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information contact Tim Moothart, 563-581-7690; Paul Schultz, 563-845-1714; or Chuck Isenhart, 563-599-8839.

Posted in Environment, Local Events | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Austerity Comes To Iowa

Posted on July 17, 2015 by Paul Deaton
Signage near Front and Cherry Streets, North Liberty

Signage near Front and Cherry Streets, North Liberty

Elections matter. They have mattered for a long time. A more pertinent maxim for political life in 2015 Iowa, however, is:

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” ~ George Santayana.

If elections matter, understanding the intellectual context for them, from a conservative perspective is equally important.

In the 20th Century we rose from the Great War and the agricultural experiment that led to the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression. We created the military industrial complex and its prosperity for many. We bought into an illusion of unending opportunity.

This has always been more story than truth. Because so many like the story, it persists. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) taps into it.

“At a time when millions of American workers have seen declines in their incomes and are working longer hours for lower wages, the wealth of the billionaire class is soaring in a way that few can imagine,” Sanders said on his website. “If you can believe it, between 2013 and 2015, the 14 wealthiest individuals in the country saw their net worth increase by over $157 billion dollars. We live in one of the wealthiest countries on earth, yet children go hungry, veterans sleep out on the streets and senior citizens cannot afford their prescription drugs. This is what a rigged economic system looks like.”

Our lives have been coarsened by the unending work of the wealthy and their politicians. It has been no accident.

“36 men created the economic mental model that has delivered the mess we’re in,” wrote L. Hunter Lovins, president, Natural Capitalism Solutions. “Meeting in 1947 at the Mont Pelerin hotel outside Montreux, Switzerland they built the intellectual architecture of an economy of small government and individual decision-making in an unfettered free market.”

If austerity, and that’s what we’ve come to call it, began after World War II, it found its home in the Reagan administration.

“Let us remember that the basic purpose of any tax cut program in today’s environment is to reduce the momentum of expenditure growth by restraining the amount of revenue available and trust that there is a political limit to deficit spending,” said economist Alan Greenspan, Federal Reserve chair from 1987 to 2006, in testimony to the U.S. Finance Committee July 14, 1978.

“Starving the beast” is a political strategy employed by American conservatives in order to limit government spending by cutting taxes in order to deprive the government of revenue in a deliberate effort to force the federal government to reduce spending.” (Source: Wikipedia)

“My goal is to cut government in half in twenty-five years,” Republican Grover Norquist said. “To get it down to the size where we can drown it in the bathtub.”

These statements are not abstractions. They find their way to Iowa, where Governor Branstad and the Republicans take an approach of cut the budget, cut taxes, then repeat the cycle. The segregation of funding for K-12, community college and higher education this legislative session, and Branstad’s subsequent veto, are out of a playbook with roots in 20th Century conservative thought.

Government is often inefficient and programs outlive their usefulness. An example is the recent closure of two of Iowa’s four mental health facilities. The idea that those who need in-patient mental health treatment should not be warehoused in a few central locations has merit. What better than to re-integrate people into local communities and settings? The fact that this devolved into a dispute between the governor, certain legislators and an Iowa union does a disservice to people who need the treatment. It’s no way to make sensible or reasonable changes in our governance.

Each of the five Democratic candidates for president said unlimited money in politics is a problem for our Democracy. This is a core problem with elections post-Citizens United. The unstoppable advancement of the ideas of shrinking government, looting the commons and war profiteering are the context in which Citizens United is possible. The culture is so pervasive that even small business owners have bought in, displaying signs like the one in the picture all around Iowa.

Elections matter and the moneyed interests know it. Their ability to indoctrinate an electorate that often votes against its own interests has been stunning. Using mass media they own, literally, or with unlimited monetary resources to buy programming, the depth of their penetration into an American psyche has given us Ronald Reagan, and a legion of Reagan wannabes.

Our hope is more of us recognize elections matter. One has to have faith the American electorate will wake up, the scales will fall from their eyes, and people will focus on what’s right, and not what the wealthy tell us must be.

If we care about our country and the people in it, we can’t afford to sit on the sidelines. I’m grateful most people I know agree and are willing to work for the change we need. What about you?

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Loebsack 'Coffee With Your Congressman' Tour

Posted on July 16, 2015 by Paul Deaton
Dave Loebsack IA02

Rep. Dave Loebsack

Loebsack to Bring “Coffee with Your Congressman Tour” to Coralville and Durant

IOWA CITY–Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that he will continue his Coffee with Your Congressman tour this Saturday, July 18, and Monday, July 20, with stops in Coralville and Durant. At each stop, Loebsack will mingle with local patrons at diners and coffee shops to chat one-on-one and hear directly from Iowans. The Coffee with Your Congressman tour will make periodic stops throughout Iowa’s Second District. The event is open to the public and media.

Saturday, July 18
Coralville Coffee with Your Congressman Stop
Winans Chocolates and Coffees
470 First Ave.
1 p.m.

Monday, July 20
Durant Coffee with Your Congressman Stop
Fifth Avenue Creamery
501 Fifth Ave.
9:15 a.m.

To learn more about Congressman Dave Loebsack go to http://loebsackforcongress.org/about-dave/.

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Iowa Democratic Party Hall of Fame Dinner

Posted on July 16, 2015 by Paul Deaton

HOF DinnerFor the first time, all five Democratic presidential hopefuls will speak from the same stage at the Iowa Democratic Party Hall of Fame Dinner on Friday, July 17, in Cedar Rapids. The event is sold out.

C-SPAN will be televising the speeches beginning at 7 p.m. CDT. If you are working or can’t watch them live, click here to sign up for an email alert when the video is posted online.

Events like this are when Iowa has an opportunity to stand out in the presidential selection process.

While Blog for Iowa attempts to remain neutral, rumor has it some of us will be making the first cut from the pack after hearing what they have to say Friday night.

Posted in 2016 Election Campaign, Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton, Jim Webb, Lincoln Chafee, Martin O'Malley | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Iowa Democratic Party Hall of Fame Dinner

Iowa's Algae Blooms

Posted on July 16, 2015 by Paul Deaton
Bacteria Notice at Lake Macbride July 14

Bacteria Notice at Lake Macbride July 14

Iowa recreational lakes have become a nutrient-rich soup in which blue-green algae thrives.  The Iowa Environmental Council won’t say what I will: nutrient runoff from agriculture, and to a much lesser extent from home lawn applications, is a key ingredient in this toxic soup.

Algae can produce microcystin bacteria, which is toxic to humans and animals, and is only intermittently monitored outside Iowa DNR beaches. That means people who participate in low-impact water sports, like canoeing and kayaking may not get sufficient warning of the presence of microcystin bacteria.

While adventurers develop protective safety protocols for dealing with the unknown, the end result of recent warnings of elevated levels of bacteria was a scene where the homes of affluent locals looked on an abandoned beach on a brilliant summer day.

Lake Macbride Beach July 14

Cottage Reserve from Lake Macbride Beach July 14

 

The Iowa Environmental Council made this press release on Friday:

Toxic algae blooms pose threat to human, animal health

DES MOINES– Summer is in full swing, and many Iowans are heading to the state’s lakes to swim, paddle, relax and cool off with family and friends. However, many Iowans are being greeted by an unwelcome sight at their favorite swimming spots: toxic blue-green algae blooms.

This type of algae, caused by a combination of high levels of phosphorus pollution and increased temperatures can produce harmful microcystin toxins that can make people sick and be deadly for dogs, livestock and other animals.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has posted 14 swimming advisories cautioning Iowans to stay out of the water at 11 different State Park beaches so far this summer due to high microcystin levels. Independence Day weekend, one of the busiest outdoor recreation weekends of the year, the DNR posted microcystin warnings at five Iowa beaches – the worst week yet. Included on this summer’s list are Lake Darling, Pine Lake, Red Haw Lake and Twin Lake West beaches – all first-time toxic blue-green algae offenders.

“The threats posed by toxic blue-green algae blooms are serious,” said Water Program Director Susan Heathcote. “Iowans need to be aware of this problem, the health risks, and know how to recognize and respond to toxic blue-green algae blooms.”

Toxic blue-green algae blooms create green, murky water, visible surface scum and a foul odor. The blooms can spread across the water but tend to accumulate in shoreline areas. Beach warnings are posted by the DNR when microcystin levels exceed 20 ug/liter, a guideline established by the World Health Organization. Contact with water at or above this level can result in breathing problems, upset stomach, skin reactions, and even liver damage. Inhaling water droplets containing toxic blue-green algae can cause runny eyes and nose, cough, sore throat, chest pain, asthma-like symptoms, or allergic reactions.

After tracking microcystin poisoning cases in Iowa as part of a national pilot project, Iowa’s public health leaders recently announced plans to add “microcystin-toxin poisoning” to the list of conditions doctors must report to the Iowa Department of Public Health.

“To rid Iowa of toxic blue-green algae blooms and ensure our lakes are safe and healthy for our families and pets, we must improve our water quality and reduce phosphorus pollution caused by agricultural and urban runoff and wastewater treatment systems,” Heathcote said. “This pollution not only puts our health at risk, but also has negative economic impacts on communities that depend on lake tourism, as well as our environment.”

The DNR monitors 39 State Park beaches for microcystin on a weekly basis between Memorial Day and Labor Day, issues advisories and posts warning signs when conditions are unsafe for swimming. The weekly beach advisories can be found on their website. Last summer, the DNR posted 22 beach warnings for high levels of microcystin during the recreational season.

At this time, DNR only monitors State Park Beaches, so if you swim at other public or private beaches you need to be aware of the potential for toxic blue-green algae this time of year. Not all blue-green algae is toxic, but when in doubt, stay out of the water and call the DNR Beach Monitoring Hotline at 515-725-3434. If you think you or your pets may have been exposed to toxic blue-green algae, thoroughly wash it off with fresh water. If you or your pet are experiencing symptoms associated with high microcystin levels after suspected exposure, seek medical or veterinary care immediately.

Records showing State Park beaches with documented Microcystin levels exceeding 20 ug/L dating back to 2006 are available on the Iowa Environmental Council’s website.

~ The Iowa Environmental Council actively works in public policy to provide a safe, healthy environment for all Iowans. The Council focuses on public education and coalition building to give Iowans a voice on issues that affect their quality of life and to protect Iowa’s natural resources for current and future generations. For more information, visit iaenvironment.org.

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Fair Booth Workers To Receive Non-violence Training

Posted on July 15, 2015 by Paul Deaton

PEACE Iowa Gandhi QuoteIt’s a sad state of affairs when non-profits feel they must take non-violence training in preparation to staff a booth at the Johnson County Fair.

PEACE Iowa, Veterans for Peace, 100Grannies for a Livable Future and Iowa Physicians for Social Responsibility have engaged in some heated discussions while at the annual agricultural fair at the county fairgrounds. They will be back again, July 27-30, and this time they will be prepared.

Workshops on Non-violence

Two free trainings on non-violent conflict resolution will be held on Wednesday, July 22, at the Schwab Auditorium at the Coralville Public Library by PEACE Iowa board member Miriam Timmer-Hackert and long-time non-violence trainer Annie Tucker. There are two separate sessions:

The first session is aimed towards volunteers working for the booth at the Johnson County Fair but is also open to the public. It is titled as “What to Do if People Yell at You” and will be held from noon to 1 p.m.

The second session is aimed towards those who have children or work with children, entitled “What to Do When Your Kids Yell at You” and will be from 1:15 – 2 p.m.

Parking is asked to be in the lower level of the parking lot which is closer to Schwab auditorium, and not in the first two rows on the upper level, please. A pizza lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to Miriam Timmer-Hackert by July 14: timmer.hackert@gmail.com or 319-331-8416.

~ Miriam Timmer-Hackert is a mediator and attorney and mother of two. Miriam volunteers with the Peace Education and Action Center of Eastern Iowa and Iowa Legal Aid.

~ Annie Tucker is a Mediator and the Director of Mediation Services of Eastern Iowa and mother of four. She trains volunteers with the Alternatives to Violence Project,  Restorative Justice Conferencing, and is involved with the Prairie Hill CoHousing Project.

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2015 Iowa Legislative Session – Tobacco Control

Posted on July 15, 2015 by Paul Deaton
Iowa Capitol

Iowa Capitol

Eileen Fisher is a Johnson County resident and president of CAFE Iowa CAN, a network of tobacco control advocates whose presence is felt continuously among Iowa legislators.

She recently provided this report on tobacco control legislation during the 2015 session of the General Assembly.

New Laws

Health and Human Services Budget—SF 505
The bill appropriates funds from the General Fund for the Departments of Aging, Human Services, Public Health, Veterans Affairs and the Iowa Veterans Home. This bill represents a decrease of $19.2 million compared to FY15. The final bill provides the following appropriations and policy provisions of interest to your organization:

  • Level funding of $5,248,361 for the Tobacco Use Prevention and Control Division.
  • Removal of the earmarks on the funding with the exception of the $453k for enforcement with ABD.
  • New language was included which requires the department to determine if those seeking help with cessation services have third-party sources available before providing nicotine replacement products through the program.

Bills that Failed to Pass

Vaping Regulations—HF 306–Position: For
This bill would have redefined alternative nicotine and vapor products as tobacco products, thus making all provisions applicable to tobacco products also applicable to alternative nicotine products and vapor products, including the taxation of tobacco products.

Casino Licenses—SF 139–Position: Monitoring
This bill would have provided for the issuance of a license to conduct gambling games at a gambling structure in which smoking is prohibited. This bill required the racing and gambling commission to establish a process for granting licenses to conduct gambling games at a gambling structure that is subject to the smoking prohibition requirements of Code section 142D.3. Companion bills on this issue include SF24 and HF255.

Casino Smoking Ban—SF 36 –Position: For
This bill would have removed the exception under the Smokefree Air Act that allowed smoking on gaming floors; the bill makes the entirety of these premises subject to the smoking prohibitions of the Act. Companion bills on this issue include HF102 and HF336.

Tobacco Age—SSB 1109 – Monitoring
This legislation would have raised the legal age for use of tobacco, nicotine products and vapor products to 19. The title of the bill was The Keep Tobacco Out of Iowa High Schools Act.

Cigarette Permits & Reports—SSB 1195–Position: For
This bill would have related to the permit fees for distributors, subjobbers, and retailers of tobacco products. Under this bill the fee for permits for cigarette and tobacco product distributors, vendors, and wholesalers would have been raised to $500, up from the current $100.

Note bills that failed to pass in 2015 remain active for the 2016 legislative session. To learn more about CAFE Iowa CAN, click here.

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